Alan Pardew anticipates "big test"

Alan Pardew believes that Stoke City will provide his Newcastle United side with "a big test" at the Britannia Stadium this evening.

Pardew's squad travel to Stoke having not lost a game in the Premier League this season.

However, the boss is under no illusions that it will be difficult to maintain that record at a ground which Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea have failed to win on this season.

"It's such a difficult place to go and try to get a result," he told reporters. They have a stadium that makes a lot of noise and they have a pitch that suits them because it's a small pitch and a lot of things come in your box.

"You've got to be big and strong and be able to cope with them. Tony's done a terrific job - and his staff - in targetting players that have taken the club forward every year, and again they look stronger this year.

"So it's going to be a big test for every team that goes there."

The Magpies will move up to third in the Premier League table if they avoid defeat tonight.